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Welcome to Study Abroad at Commonwealth University
 

Why study abroad?

Study abroad offers students formidable career-enhancing experiences and new perspectives vital to personal growth. Rapid globalization in economics, arts and culture, science, and education means that students with significant immersion abroad will get better jobs and have richer lives—which is a statistical fact. When students study abroad, they also contribute in the end to greater intercultural relations and improved ecological sustainability, because as a group they have a refined grasp of how humans relate to each other and to the natural environment.

Things to Consider

  • Program Affordability 
    • Review the costs involved to determine if a program is right for you.  Review costs for tuition, course materials, housing, airfare, travel, daily expenses such as food and transportation, etc.
  • Program Format
    • Some courses may be taught in a similar fashion to US courses while others will require that students do more independent learning.
  • Program Types
    • Determine the type of program you are interested in.  Exchange, Faculty Led, Third-Party, Direct
  • Program Duration
    • Determine when your study abroad experience will best fit in to your overall goals.  Should you study abroad during a semester, a winter or summer session, or an entire academic year?  Will the courses you need be available during the time you wish to go abroad?  Will the courses transfer back appropriately?
  • Program Destination
    • Where do you want to go? All of the items above may play a factor in determining where you will study.  Keep in mind the type of school you are interested in, a business school, school for the arts, etc., the cost you are comfortable with, and the courses offered during the time you wish to study abroad.  
    • Keep in mind the area's geography, weather, food, arts, political climate, health issues, language(s) spoken, etc.


Program Types

There are several opportunities available for a study abroad experience.  What type of program are you interested in?

Exchange Program – Reciprocal agreement between Commonwealth University/Bloomsburg and an international institution for an equal exchange of students.  Students must apply through CU’s study abroad application system and be approved and nominated by the Global Education Office Coordinator before applying to the international institution.  The exchange program allows CU students to pay Bloomsburg tuition and receive CU course equivalency credits for classes taken abroad. Pre-approved course credits will go towards total CU credits earned.  Grades for these courses will not be included in the cumulative CU GPA.  However, you must obtain a C or better in the abroad courses to earn credits.  Students should refer to the specific program for details as there are differences in things such as room and board options and additional costs. 

Faculty-Led Program –  Faculty-led programs (FLPs) are short-term study abroad programs led by a Commonwealth University faculty member.   The programs are typically offered during the summer and winter terms and require a specific minimum number of students for the trip to take place.  Students pay CU tuition for the pre-defined courses as well as a program fee for accommodations, meals, excursions, airfare, etc.  These programs will focus on a specific academic area.  Students are enrolled directly in CU courses and will earn credits and grades for each course.  

Third-Party Study Abroad – Third-party study abroad providers are independent organizations that facilitate or administer study abroad programs.  Please see the information provided on the Third-Party Providers page regarding the providers with which Commonwealth/Bloomsburg has official partnership agreements.  NOTE:  Pay close attention to the information regarding third-party programs with which we do not have an agreement.  

Direct Enrollment – Direct Enroll programs are similar to exchange programs in duration, independence and academics.  Direct Enroll programs differ in that overseas students are not brought to Commonwealth/Bloomsburg and students are responsible for all business related to applying, enrolling, finding housing, etc.  This type of program is best for someone very independent and organized.  This type of program is also the most immersive as you are placed in classes with local students versus other students studying abroad.

Other – If you plan to study abroad through another university's study abroad program, you must notify the Office of the Registrar and the Office of Global Education. You will need to have your courses pre-approved by your department and have your transcript sent to the Office of Global Education to transfer the credits.

When should you study abroad?

An important part of the process is to meet with your faculty advisor to determine when it would best fit your schedule to study abroad.  You will need to discuss possible courses and how they will transfer back to Bloomsburg to ensure you will get the appropriate credit and keep you on track to graduate.  

Possible terms:

  • Fall Semester
  • Winter Session
  • Spring Semester
  • Summer Session
  • Academic Year


Ready to Apply?

Programs and Applications

Students must apply through CU’s study abroad application system, TerraDotta, to be considered for a study abroad program.   Applications are program and term specific.  Once the program of interest is determined, click on the program link and select Apply Now.  You will be asked to create an account in TerraDotta.  Follow the instructions provided on the site after selecting Apply Now.  DO NOT select apply now if you do not intend to apply to the program.  By clicking on apply now and logging in you will create an application. 

Students are nominated by the Office of Global Education Coordinator to attend programs.  Once you have completed your application in the TerraDotta system it will be reviewed.  If your application meets the criteria for the program you selected, the coordinator will submit a nomination to the program director.  The program will then contact you to apply using their application.

To find information on our study abroad opportunities, select the "PROGRAMS" tab from the menu above.  In the programs list, the star next to a program name indicates the programs and with which Commonwealth University has a partnership with or a faculty led program originiating from CU.  Please note that some exchange program options are considered legacy.  These legacy options may not be available to all CommonwealthU campuses.  Legacy exchange will be indicated with the campus name prior to the exchange program name (ex. [Bloomsburg]).

Contact Us

The Office of Global Education is available to help at any point in the process.  
We look forward to working with you!

Bloomsburg Campus:
Office:  Kehr Union Building, Rm 349
Telephone: 570.389.4199
Email: globaleducation@bloomu.edu

Lock Haven Campus:
Office:  Ulmer Hall, Rm 135
Telephone: 570.484.2140
Email: international@lockhaven.edu